Q: Tell us your background and when you first became interested in energy? 
A: My passion for energy began during my biological engineering studies while exploring the fundamentals of power and heat generation. I became curious about how energy systems shape ways of living and how smarter use of resources can drive real change (at some point I even prototyped a floor tile that captured energy from footsteps to power lighting!).

Initially I thought that I wanted to work in laboratories and develop life-saving medicine, but later I changed my mind and decided to dedicate myself to green energy projects which were also pragmatic commercial opportunities for the market.

For that reason, I enrolled on a climate change and finance master’s in London. That was where I started to learn how to translate worrying climate science into viable business strategies to accelerate impact projects.

Q: How did you first hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join? 
A: I came across the Energy Institute through the Young Professionals Network in London. It felt like a natural extension of the strong community formed during my master’s – a broad network of energy shapers across engineering, finance, policy, law, many of whom have become friends. From there I couldn’t stop!

Being part of the YPN has been both professionally transformative and personally rewarding. It opened doors to become an expert in interest areas such as carbon/biodiversity markets and integration of natural capital into net zero strategies (including leading the Energy & Nature event at International Energy Week 2025), which is now an area we incorporated into my company’s work.

Q: Can you talk more about how your bioengineering training has supported your work?  
A: I am a Senior Associate at Ikigai Group and focus on strategic advice and development of renewable energy and natural capital systems for large infrastructure asset owners (eg airports, ports, logistics, waste/water sectors, AI and digital). The core objective is to structure bankable projects (and platforms) to accelerate financing into the net zero transition.

My bioengineering background is still helpful on a daily basis, for example when we look at structuring sustainable fuel projects for water/waste treatment assets or carbon capture for biomass power plants. Also, it keeps pulling me into new ways of ensuring that the overall planet balance is not forgotten and that we are delivering a holistic transition which also incorporates nature; for example, on monetisation of biodiversity benefits or use of natural capital (instead of infrastructure) for flooding prevention.

I’m lucky to be part of a diverse team that values innovation, pragmatism, and is not afraid to get our hands dirty to deliver true impact in the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Q: What do you mean? 
A: For energy projects to actually get delivered they need to be realistic and financially viable. We don’t stop at the concept; we work to make it bankable. For example, I am now working on a first-of-its-kind multi-modal hydrogen hub at a UK airport. How can we manage key project risks? How do we ensure the right demand profile? How do we achieve a hydrogen price in parity with current fuels? What makes the project attractive for investors? These are some of the questions we need to work through.

Q: How has being an AMEI benefitted you in your career? 
A: Joining the Energy Institute has been a key milestone. It has given me greater agency as a young professional – providing access to expert knowledge and mentors – but most of all a community of energy leaders working together to accelerate net zero projects.

I am honoured to now serve as a Council Member and YPN Global Chair, supporting the Energy Institute’s long-standing mission to foster international and intergenerational collaboration within energy professionals.

It’s a meaningful step transitioning into the Council – a chance to build on the learnings from working with an exceptional team in London. It’s clear how much potential there is to connect a truly global community of future energy leaders at the Energy Institute. Having just wrapped up my first Council meeting, I’m genuinely impressed by the commitment to empowering young professionals. There’s real momentum here. I am excited for what’s ahead.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.

If you’re keen to follow in Marta’s footsteps, click here to find more about how to become an Associate Member of the Energy Institute (AMEI).